Rip current threat could increase this week

Posted: January 29, 2013 - 3:26pm

From staff

A storm front could bring rip currents and storms to northeast Florida by Thursday, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

A cold front is heading toward Florida, and severe weather is expected in the Panhandle on Wednesday. A higher risk of rip currents is expected along the Atlantic Coast through the end of the week as winds shift and strengthen from the cold front.

“A squall line [is] expected to develop ahead of the cold front will have the potential to bring severe weather and an elevated risk of rip currents to areas of the Panhandle and North Florida,” said emergency management’s Deputy State Meteorologist Michelle Palmer. “All Floridians should monitor weather conditions and know what to do in the event of a watch or warning for their area, and beachgoers should be sure to check the beach warning flags before swimming.”

Safety tips from the Florida Division of Emergency Management:

When at the beach:

- Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offices issue a Surf Zone Forecast.

- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify hazards.

- Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags. Different beaches may use different colors but a commonly used series include: